On Nov. 7, Stuart Country Day School hosted its annual blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross. Spearheaded by Samantha Ryan, Stuart faculty, and Katie Janiszewski, Stuart parent, the event is a joint venture of the Stuart Parents Association (SPA) and the Upper School. Volunteers from across the school community helped with day-of logistics, supplied baked goods, and, of course, donated blood.
What makes Stuart such a great community is the following of the Sacred Heart Goals. The blood drive provided a great opportunity to live out Goal 3, a social awareness which impels to action. This event can change the lives of many people who need blood transfusions all over the country.
“As many people know, this summer there was an emergency blood shortage partly due to the abnormally high temperatures,” Mrs. Ryan stated. “Blood drives help combat shortages. Blood donations are crucial for saving lives.”
Over 4.5 million people need donated blood each year and someone needs blood every 2 seconds. Even a simple appointment tomorrow can help change someone’s life.
For those unable to donate, there were still ways to participate. “Students are always eager to volunteer at the blood drive, and offer support ranging from donating homemade baked goods, to running errands for the American Red Cross staff,” Mrs. Ryan explained. “All aspects of volunteering help the blood drive run smoothly.”
For folks donating at the event, Mrs. Ryan eased their fears ahead of time, ensuring that the process is quite simple and almost painless.
“The idea of donating blood can be scary and intimidating,” she said. “But when you think about the massive life-saving impact these donations make, the pain of a little needle prick is a very small price to pay!”
Assisting others is a huge part of the community here at Stuart, and volunteering and donating at the annual blood drive is part of what allows this community to strengthen and grow.
